Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson has passed away at 61-years-old after a long battle with a serious illness, her family has confirmed.
The Swedish musician was part of the chart-topping duo Roxette along with Per Gessle, who shot to fame back in the eighties. Fredriksson earned significant critical acclaim for the songs she performed, including such hits as 'The Look, Listen to Your Heart', 'It Must Have Been Love', and 'Joyride'.
Fredriksson and Gessleand managed to earn four US number ones as part of the chart-topping band together.
In a statement made to Expressen, Fredriksson's family stated: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our biggest and most beloved artists is gone."
In a tweet, her former bandmate has led the tributes: "Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days and nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share! I'm honored to have met your talent and generosity. All my love goes to you and your family. Things will never be the same."
Fredriksson was previously diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, after collapsing from a seizure while jogging with her husband. Despite being given only a just a 20 percent chance of survival, she managed to rally and pull through.
Roxette went on a seven-year hiatus while she recovered from chemotherapy, which left her with severe radiation damage and lifelong health issues.
In 2004 her solo album The Change was dedicated to her experiences in hospital, and Roxette resumed touring again in 2009. However, in 2013 they were forced to disband, when Fredriksson's health declined even further, leaving her severely debilitated.
Marie Fredriksson is survived by husband Mikael, and their two children, daughter Ines Josefin, aged 26, and son Oscar, aged 23. Although we have lost a talented musician and performer, its clear that her music will endure among her loyal fanbase.
